Zipper bag vacuum sealer

ABSTRACT

The disclosed hand-held vacuum sealing apparatus according to various aspects of the subject technology may include a cap comprising a siphon tube having a tapered surface and extending outwardly therefrom, a body portion releasably coupled to the cap, and a filter disposed between the cap and the body portion. The cap may include a first passage, wherein the siphon tube in combination with the first passage forms a first airflow path. The body portion may include a second passage forming a second airflow path, wherein the second airflow path in combination with the first airflow path forms a common airflow path when the body portion is coupled to the cap. The body portion may also include a suction assembly configured to draw air into the common airflow path, a perforated plate configured to be positioned against the filter, and an outlet for expelling the air.

BACKGROUND OF THE TECHNOLOGY

Vacuum sealing devices are widely used for food preservation and storage and operate by evacuating air from a flexible bag such as a zipper bag, a profile bag, etc.

Conventional vacuum sealing devices generally include a vacuum and a sealing device, such as a bag welder that welds the bag opening shut. However, conventional vacuum sealing devices are prone to being ineffective in that air is often left inside the flexible bag, thereby failing to form a secure, air-tight seal. In addition, conventional vacuum sealing devices are typically bulky, heavy, and require the use of specialized equipment, containers, and/or bags, such as customized jars or single-use plastic bags that must be discarded after use.

Accordingly, what is needed is a vacuum apparatus that eliminates air from the bag to ensure a secure, airtight seal is formed and does not require the use of customized equipment, containers, and bags while also being portable, hand-held, and easy-to-use.

SUMMARY OF THE TECHNOLOGY

The disclosed hand-held vacuum sealing apparatus according to various aspects of the subject technology may comprise a cap comprising a siphon tube having a tapered surface and extending outwardly therefrom, a body portion releasably coupled to the cap, and a filter disposed between the cap and the body portion. The cap may comprise a first passage, wherein the siphon tube in combination with the first passage forms a first airflow path. The body portion may comprise a second passage forming a second airflow path, wherein the second airflow path in combination with the first airflow path forms a common airflow path when the body portion is coupled to the cap. The body portion may also comprise a suction assembly configured to draw air into the common airflow path, a perforated plate configured to be positioned against the filter, and an outlet for expelling the air.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A more complete understanding of the subject technology may be derived by referring to the detailed description and claims when considered in connection with the following illustrative figures. In the following figures, like reference numbers refer to similar elements and steps throughout the figures.

FIG. 1 representatively illustrates a side view of a vacuum sealing apparatus in accordance with an embodiment of the subject technology;

FIG. 2 representatively illustrates a side view of a vacuum sealing apparatus in accordance with an embodiment of the subject technology;

FIG. 3 representatively illustrates a perspective view of a body portion of a vacuum sealing apparatus in accordance with an embodiment of the subject technology;

FIG. 4 representatively illustrates a top view of a cap of a vacuum sealing apparatus in accordance with an embodiment of the subject technology;

FIG. 5 representatively illustrates a zipper bag and a vacuum sealing apparatus in accordance with an embodiment of the subject technology; and

FIG. 6 representatively illustrates a vacuum sealing apparatus and a siphon tube of the vacuum sealing apparatus in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

The subject technology may be described in terms of functional components. Such functional components may be realized by any number of components configured to perform the specified functions and achieve the various results. For example, the subject technology may employ various caps, body portions, filters, plates, perforations, siphon tubes, suction assemblies, motors, blades, batteries, and the like, which may carry out a variety of functions. In addition, the subject technology may be practiced in conjunction with any one of various enclosures, and the vacuum sealing apparatus described herein is merely one exemplary application for the technology.

Referring to FIGS. 1-3 , an exemplary portable hand-held vacuum sealing apparatus 100 may be used to evacuate air from an enclosure 102 to form a fluid-tight seal. For the purposes of this Application, “fluid-tight seal” means a “water-tight seal,” a “moisture-tight seal,” an “air-tight seal,” a “gas-tight seal,” a “vapor-tight seal,” and the like. As generally used herein, and although not limited thereto, an “enclosure” is any type of zipper bag, profile bag, container, and the like. According to various embodiments, the vacuum sealing apparatus 100 may comprise a cap 105, a body portion 110, and a filter 115 disposed between the cap 105 and the body portion 110.

The cap 105 may comprise any suitable size or shape such as a cylindrical-shaped body or tubular-shaped body. In an embodiment, and when viewed from the top-down, the body of the cap 105 may be shaped in the form of a bird-beak, such as shown in FIG. 4 . The cap 105 may comprise a first passage 106 and a siphon tube 107 terminating in an open end 108, which in combination with the first passage 106 forms an airflow path A to allow air to flow from the enclosure 102 to the cap 105 via the siphon tube 107. In one embodiment, the open end 108 of the siphon tube 107 may be elliptical-shaped and angled towards an inner volume of the enclosure 102. In some embodiments, the body of the siphon tube 107 may be longer in proportion to its width. For example, the siphon tube 107 may be shaped similar to that of a needle or a hummingbird beak. In an embodiment, and referring now to FIG. 6 , a first surface of the siphon tube 107 may be tapered along a longitudinal length of the siphon tube 107. In this embodiment, the first surface may be oriented to face a side of the enclosure 102, such as shown in FIG. 5 . The siphon tube 107 may also comprise a second surface opposite the first surface. The second surface may not be tapered along the longitudinal length of the siphon tube 107. Specifically, the first surface may be tapered to allow the user to gradually seal the opening of the enclosure 102 while preventing air from entering the enclosure 102 so that the user may draw air from the enclosure 102 at the last moment before the enclosure 102 is sealed.

The cap 105 in combination with the siphon tube 107 may be shaped in the form of a narrow marquise diamond. In another embodiment, the cap 105 in combination with the siphon tube 107 may comprise a lanceolate-shaped body having ends that come to a point that fit neatly into an edge of the enclosure 102 and make it easier for the fingers of the user to create a tight fit around the siphon tube 107.

In one embodiment, the siphon tube 107 may be L-shaped. For example, and referring now to FIGS. 1, 2, and 5 , a first portion 109 a of the siphon tube 107 may extend radially outwards from the cap 105, and a second portion 109 b of the siphon tube 107 may extend perpendicularly to the first portion 109 a such that the second portion 109 b is substantially parallel to the body portion 110. In one embodiment, the first portion 109 a may be integrally coupled to the cap 105. In an alternative embodiment, the first portion 109 a may be detachably coupled to the cap 105.

In an embodiment, the first portion 109 a and the second portion 109 b may be integrated to form a single, monolithic siphon tube 107. Furthermore, the siphon tube 107 may be integrally coupled to the cap 105. In this regard, the siphon tube 107 and the cap 105 may form a monolithic structure.

The siphon tube 107 may be inserted into the enclosure 102 and positioned adjacent a left side or a right side of the enclosure 102 such that the second portion 109 b is substantially parallel to a side of the enclosure 102.

According to various embodiments, the second portion 109 b of the siphon tube 107 may be tapered along its longitudinal length. For example, in one embodiment, the diameter of the second portion 109 b may increase along its length from the open end 108 to the cap 105. The second portion 109 b may comprise a vesica piscis-shaped cross section. Because the second portion 109 b may be tapered, once the enclosure 102 is substantially sealed around the second portion 109 b, a user of the vacuum apparatus 100 may slowly slide the enclosure 102 down the second portion 109 b while the vacuum apparatus 100 evacuates air from the enclosure 102.

In one embodiment, the cap 105 the cap further comprises an adjustable valve 118 for controlling the airflow rate within the common airflow path. The adjustable valve 118 may provide flexibility and adaptability, allowing users to fine-tune and customize the airflow according to their specific requirements. By incorporating such a valve, the functionality and performance of the cap may be enhanced, enabling users to have greater control over the airflow and optimizing the overall user experience.

The vacuum apparatus 100 may further comprise a locking component 120. The locking component 120 may comprise any suitable device or system for locking the cap 105 to the body portion 110. In one embodiment, the locking component 120 may be pivotal between a locked position wherein a movement of the cap 105 with respect to the body portion 110 may be constrained, and an unlocked position wherein the cap 105 may be disengaged from the body portion 110.

In an alternative embodiment, the locking component 120 may be configured to couple the cap 105 to the body portion 110 in a locked position, whereby the cap 105 is twisted into the locked position by pressing the cap 105 towards the body portion 110 and turning the cap 105 to lock into position. Similarly, the locking component 120 may decouple the cap 105 from the body portion 110 in an unlocked position, whereby the cap 105 is twisted into the unlocked position by turning the cap 105 to disengage. For example, the body portion 110 may comprise a positioning element 111 and external threads 113 on an outer surface 112 of the positioning element 111.

The positioning element 111 may be received in a notch (not shown) formed in the cap 105, and the external threads 113 may be in mating engagement with corresponding threads (not shown) formed on an inside of the cap 105, so that the cap 105 may be coupled to the body portion 110. The external threads 113 on the outer surface 112 of the positioning element 111 may be formed spirally and circumferentially on the outer surface 112.

The body portion 110 may comprise a second passage 116, which in combination with the first passage 106 forms an airway or air channel through the cap 105 and the body portion 110 to allow airflow from the open end 108 of the siphon tube 107 to an exhaust outlet 140 of the body portion 110.

In addition, the body portion 110 may comprise a perforated plate 125. The perforated plate 125 may comprise a plurality of perforations 127. The plurality of perforations 127 may be small enough to prevent debris from passing but not so small that air may not pass through. The perforated plate 125 may be detachably coupled to a top end 114 of the body portion 110 such that when the cap 105 is coupled to the top end 114, the perforated plate 125 may be positioned against the filter 115 so that the perforated plate 125 engages and supports the filter 115.

In another embodiment, the body portion 110 may comprise a second perforated plate (not shown). The second perforated plate may be coupled to an inner surface (not shown) of the cap 105. In addition, the second perforated plate may be positioned against a top end of the cap 105, such that the filter 115 may be disposed between the first perforated plate 125 and the second perforated plate when the cap 105 is coupled to the body portion 110.

The suction assembly 130 may comprise any suitable apparatus, system, or device capable of drawing air into airflow path B of the body portion 110. For example, in one embodiment, the suction assembly 130 may comprise a fan or blade 132, such as a turbine blade, and a motor 134 configured to draw air into the airflow path B. The blade 132 may be coupled to the motor 134, and the motor 134 may be electrically connected to a battery 135 for receiving power therefrom. The motor 134 turns the blade 132 to provide suction, drawing air into the siphon tube 107 and then through air flow path B prior exiting the body portion 110 via the exhaust outlet 140. In one embodiment, the motor 134 may be a variable speed motor for adjusting the suction power based on user preferences.

The battery 135 may be capable of supplying power to the vacuum sealing apparatus 100 and may comprise any suitable disposable, replaceable, or rechargeable battery, such as an alkaline battery, a lead acid battery, a nickel cadmium battery, a nickel metal hydride battery, a lithium-ion battery, and the like. It will be appreciated that modifications may be made to the battery 135 without departing from the scope of the subject technology. For example, instead of the battery 135, alternative energy sources, such as inductive, solar, and chemical energy sources, may be used to power the vacuum sealing apparatus 100. In one embodiment, the battery 135 may be isolated from the airflow path B. In an alternative embodiment, the battery 135 may not be isolated from the airflow path B, such that air may flow around the components of the vacuum sealing apparatus 100, exiting the body portion 110 at a bottom end thereof. The motor 134 and the battery 135 may or may not be isolated from the airflow path B.

The filter 115 may comprise any suitable filter capable of preventing or impeding contaminants, such as liquid, moisture, particles, debris, and the like that may be drawn into the cap 105 via the open end 108 of the siphon tube 107 from entering the body portion 110. The filter 115 may be disposed within the airflow path A and removably coupled to the cap 105 such that a user can periodically examine, clean and/or replace the filter 115 when needed. For example, the filter 115 may comprise a hydrophilic material, such as a sponge, and the like, that substantially impedes or prevents the passage of liquid or moisture therethrough. For example, the filter 115 may comprise a sponge or sponge-like material for capturing moisture or food particles that may be siphoned from the bag.

The filter 115 may comprise a plurality of perforations or narrow passageways that allow for the passage of air while impeding the flow of liquid, moisture, particles, and debris. In one embodiment, the filter 115 may be disposed within the siphon tube 107 or the body portion 110, independently or in combination with the cap 105. The filter 115 may be detachable for easy cleaning and replacement.

It will be appreciated that modifications may be made to the filter 115 without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, the filter 115 as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 may instead comprise a plurality of perforations or narrow passageways that allow for the passage of air but may impede liquid, moisture, particles, and debris from passing therethrough. It will also be appreciated that the filter 115 may be disposed within the siphon tube 107 or the body portion 110 instead of, or in combination with, the cap 105.

In operation, and referring now to FIGS. 1-5 , a user may engage a zipper of a bag 102 along its length to leave a short portion of the bag 102 unclosed, and the siphon tube 107 may be inserted into the bag 102 through the unclosed portion. The user may apply pinching pressure to sandwich the siphon tube 107 between the unclosed portion to prevent air from flowing into the bag 102 while simultaneously operating the vacuum apparatus 100 to withdraw a substantial amount of air from the bag 102. The vacuum sealing apparatus 100 may be turned on by pressing a switch or button 155. The switch or button 155 may comprise a simple on/off switch, a pulse-type switch, a multi-speed selector, and the like. For example, when the user presses the button 155, a circuit between the battery 135 and the suction assembly 130 may close, thereby allowing the battery 135 to supply power to the suction assembly 130. Once the air has been removed from the bag 102, the siphon tube 107 may be pulled from the bag 102 so that the pinching pressure is transferred to the bag 102 thereby closing the unclosed portion and sealing the evacuated bag 102.

The particular implementations shown and described are illustrative of the technology and its best mode and are not intended to otherwise limit the scope of the subject technology in any way. Indeed, for the sake of brevity, conventional manufacturing, connection, preparation, and other functional aspects of the system and method may not be described in detail. Furthermore, the connections and points of contact shown in the various figures are intended to represent exemplary physical relationships between the various elements. Many alternative or additional functional relationships or physical connections may be present in a practical system.

Embodiments of the subject technology may be used in conjunction with any number of methods and devices for vacuum sealing. In the foregoing description, the technology has been described with reference to specific exemplary embodiments. Various modifications and changes may be made, however, without departing from the scope of the subject technology as set forth. The description and figures are to be regarded in an illustrative manner, rather than a restrictive one and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the subject technology. Accordingly, the scope of the technology should be determined by the generic embodiments described and their legal equivalents rather than by merely the specific examples described above. For example, the steps recited in any method or process embodiment may be executed in any appropriate order and are not limited to the explicit order presented in the specific examples. Additionally, the components and/or elements recited in any system embodiment may be combined in a variety of permutations to produce substantially the same result as the subject technology and are accordingly not limited to the specific configuration recited in the specific examples.

Benefits, other advantages, and solutions to problems have been described above with regard to particular embodiments. Any benefit, advantage, solution to problems or any element that may cause any particular benefit, advantage, or solution to occur or to become more pronounced, however, is not to be construed as a critical, required, or essential feature or component.

The terms “comprises,” “comprising,” or any variation thereof, are intended to reference a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a system, process, method, article, composition, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements does not include only those elements recited but may also include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such system, process, method, article, composition, or apparatus. Other combinations and/or modifications of the above-described structures, arrangements, applications, proportions, elements, materials, or components used in the practice of the subject technology, in addition to those not specifically recited, may be varied, or otherwise particularly adapted to specific environments, manufacturing specifications, design parameters or other operating requirements without departing from the general principles of the same.

The subject technology has been described above with reference to an exemplary embodiment. However, changes and modifications may be made to the exemplary embodiment without departing from the scope of the subject technology. These and other changes or modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the subject technology. 

1. A hand-held vacuum sealing apparatus for use with a bag, comprising: a cap comprising a siphon tube having a tapered surface and extending outwardly therefrom, wherein the cap comprises a first passage, wherein the siphon tube in combination with the first passage forms a first airflow path; a body portion releasably coupled to the cap and comprising: a second passage forming a second airflow path, wherein the second airflow path and the first airflow path forms a common airflow path when the body portion is coupled to the cap; a suction assembly configured to draw air into the common airflow path; a perforated plate; an outlet for expelling the air; and a filter disposed between the cap and the body portion, wherein the perforated plate is configured to be positioned against the filter, wherein the cap further comprises an adjustable valve for controlling the airflow rate within the common airflow path, and wherein the suction assembly comprises a variable speed motor for adjusting suction power based on user preferences.
 2. The hand-held vacuum sealing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the siphon tube has a generally flat, or vesica piscis-shaped cross-section suitable for insertion into the bag to siphon the air from the bag at the last moment before sealing the bag.
 3. The hand-held vacuum sealing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the cap, in combination with the siphon tube, is shaped in the form of a narrow marquise diamond, providing a unique and ergonomic design for efficient sealing and maneuverability.
 4. The hand-held vacuum sealing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the cap, in combination with the siphon tube, comprises a lanceolate-shaped body with pointed ends that neatly fit into an edge of the bag, facilitating a tight fit around the siphon tube and enhancing user control during a sealing process.
 5. The hand-held vacuum sealing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the siphon tube is L-shaped, comprising a first portion extending radially outwards from the cap and a second portion extending perpendicularly to the first portion, substantially parallel to the body portion.
 6. The hand-held vacuum sealing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the first portion of the L-shaped siphon tube is integrally coupled to the cap, ensuring a secure and rigid connection.
 7. The hand-held vacuum sealing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the first portion of the L-shaped siphon tube is detachably coupled to the cap, allowing for customization or replacement of the siphon tube.
 8. The hand-held vacuum sealing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the filter disposed between the cap and the body portion comprises a sponge or sponge-like material for capturing moisture or food particles that may be siphoned from the bag.
 9. The hand-held vacuum sealing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the perforated plate supports and engages the filter positioned between the cap and the body portion.
 10. The hand-held vacuum sealing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the variable speed motor is electrically coupled to a battery, and wherein the variable speed motor turns a fan or turbine blade to provide suction, drawing air into the siphon tube and out through an exhaust port.
 11. The hand-held vacuum sealing apparatus according to claim 10, further comprising a power button or switch, selected from the group consisting of a simple on/off switch, a pulse-type switch, and a multi-speed selector, for controlling the operation of the variable speed motor.
 12. The hand-held vacuum sealing apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the variable speed motor and battery are isolated from the airflow path.
 13. The hand-held vacuum sealing apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the variable speed motor and battery are not isolated from the airflow path.
 14. The hand-held vacuum sealing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the filter comprises a plurality of perforations or narrow passageways that allow for the passage of air while impeding the flow of liquid, moisture, particles, and debris.
 15. The hand-held vacuum sealing apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the filter is disposed within the siphon tube or the body portion, independently or in combination with the cap.
 16. The hand-held vacuum sealing apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the plurality of perforations or narrow passageways in the filter are specifically designed to prevent liquid, moisture, particles, and debris from passing therethrough while facilitating the flow of air.
 17. The hand-held vacuum sealing apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the filter disposed within the siphon tube or the body portion is detachable for easy cleaning and replacement.
 18. A method for vacuum sealing a bag using a hand-held vacuum sealing apparatus, the method comprising: inserting a siphon tube of the hand-held vacuum sealing apparatus into a bag; activating a suction assembly to draw air from the bag through a common airflow path formed by a first airflow path and a second airflow path; passing the drawn air through a filter to capture moisture, food particles, and debris while allowing the passage of air; and expelling the filtered air through an outlet to create a vacuum seal within the bag.
 19. The method for vacuum sealing a bag using a hand-held vacuum sealing apparatus according to claim 18, further comprising: engaging a zipper of the bag along its length, leaving a short portion of the bag unclosed; and prior to inserting the siphon tube into the bag through the unclosed portion: applying pinching pressure to sandwich the siphon tube between the unclosed portion, preventing air from flowing into the bag; activating a sealing component to temporarily seal the unclosed portion of the bag; and aligning the siphon tube with the unclosed portion for easy insertion; and ensuring proper positioning of the hand-held vacuum sealing apparatus for effective vacuum sealing.
 20. The method of claim 18, further comprising adjusting the configuration of the siphon tube, selecting between an L-shaped configuration and a straight configuration, based on the specific bag and sealing requirements. 